Audi has refined the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to make it even more suitable for everyday use. Thereby integrating incredible performance with outstanding design and practicality in producing two performance vehicles for the discerning customer. The Audi RS 6 Avant is in its fourth generation and continues to mark its iconic status while the Audi RS7 Sportback in its second generation endures a stunning design. Both models will officially retail in South Africa from 1 April 2021.
Innovative: the exterior design
The body style, which is unique in its segment, proves alluring the moment you set eyes on the new Audi RS 6 Avant, even when stationary. The body, which has been widened around 40 millimetres on each side with its broad flared wheel arches, emphasizes the distinctive character of the high-performance Avant. The new Audi RS 7 Sportback sits low to the ground. The extreme width is no optical illusion – at 1,950 millimetres at the front fenders, the performance model is an extra 40 millimetres or so wider than the base model. Its RSspecific exterior design gives the 5,009 millimetre grand tourer a character all of its own.
The entire front-end of both models are differentiated to the maximum. In addition to the new hood together with power dome, the performance models adopt a flatter, sportier headlight structure which offer HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as a standard feature. The lights feature a dynamic turn signal along with an exciting RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.
The three-dimensional honeycomb structure within the Singleframe grill is finished in gloss black. In combination with the much flatter and wider geometry, this reinforces the athletic look of the two performance models. The Singleframe surround and the quattro logo in the bumper have been eliminated. Below the headlights, side air inlets open on the strikingly drawn new RS bumper and extend almost into the lower edge of the headlights. The designers have taken their cue from the front-end of the Audi R8 supercar.
The characteristic Avant silhouette dominates in the side view of the RS 6 – elongated front section, long, straight roofline and flat D pillars, which rest on the quattro blisters. The RS-specific sills with black inserts visually emphasize on the flanks the pronounced forward thrust. The dynamic rear-end consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes – an RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes is standard.
The side view of the new Audi RS 7 Sportback reveals sharply defined lines and curved surfaces like welltoned muscles. A low shoulder line shifts the visual emphasis downward, while the window line rises toward the rear, giving a sense of dynamism even when the vehicle is stationary. The RS-specific door sills with black inlays accentuate the high-performance Sportback’s distinct impression of forward movement. The rear end’s curved trailing edge and strip of lights linking the main rear lights make it one of the characteristic defining features of the RS 7 Sportback. At a speed of 100 km/h, a spoiler will extend from the tailgate. The RS exhaust system, with a large, chrome-coloured oval tailpipe on each side, sits beneath an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black.
V8 power: the drive system
The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback produces 441 kW and delivers 800 Nm of torque within a broad range from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. The high-performance models will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; this can be increased to 280 km/h with the RS Dynamic package.
Thanks to its mild hybrid system (MHEV) with a 48-volt main on-board electrical system, the 4.0 TFSI combines maximum performance with high efficiency. The belt alternator starter can recover up to 12 kW power under gentle acceleration and feed it into a lithium-ion battery as electricity. If the driver releases the accelerator at a speed between 55 and 160 km/, the drive management will select one of two options. Depending on the driving situation and the settings in Audi drive select, the vehicle will either recover energy or coast with the engine switched off. When the driver steps on the accelerator, the belt alternator starter will start the engine again. MHEV technology allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. As soon as the vehicle in front of the performance model starts moving, the engine will spring back to life—even if the brakes are applied. With the MHEV-technology it is possible to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres.
The cylinder on demand (COD) system is another weapon in the vehicle’s armoury when it comes to efficiency. In higher gears at low to medium loads and engine speeds, it will deactivate cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 by halting injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. In four-cylinder mode, the operating points will switch to the active cylinders at higher loads, thereby improving efficiency, while the deactivated cylinders continue to run like gas springs, largely without any losses. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, they are reactivated immediately. Each switchover takes mere milliseconds and is virtually undetectable by the driver and passengers.
The four-litre engine produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 sound. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows adjustments to the sonorous growl of the power unit. The standard RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipe trim provides an even fuller sound. In the customizable RS1 and RS2 modes, customers can decide for themselves whether they want a sporty or balanced sound.
The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio via the purely mechanical centre differential. If one wheel slips, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can
flow to the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the back wheels. The wheel-selective torque control optimizes the agile and confident handling of the new performance models, applying the brakes gently to the wheels on the inside of a bend before they have the chance to slip. The quattro sport differential, available with the optional Dynamic and Dynamic package, shifts the torque between the rear wheels as needed during sporty cornering, thereby improving traction, stability, and dynamics.
Agility: the suspension
On the new performance models, the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induce longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminium. The track width is 1,668 millimetres front and 1,650 millimetres rear.
The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping was tuned specifically for the RS models and can be set to several modes and includes automatic level control. The body of the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback is 20 millimetres lower than on the base models with standard suspension; at speeds of 120 km/h and above, it is lowered by another 10 millimetres. A lift mode raises the vehicle by 20 millimetres at
low speed. The very wide spread of the RS sport air suspension offers the driver a free choice between longdistance comfort and maximum performance.
The performance models comes standard with the sporty progressive steering with its direct ratio. The system develops significantly higher return forces with increasing steering angle for precise steering feedback. Its newly developed power assist directly connects the driver and road. Optionally with the RS dynamic package, the models comes with dynamic all-wheel steering. It combines dynamic steering at the
front axle, which uses an infinitely variable strain wave gearing, with a separate rear axle steering system with a spindle drive and track rods. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by as much as one metre, making the performance models more agile in city traffic and tight curves. At intermediate and high speeds, the rear wheels turn by as much as two degrees in the same direction – promoting stability particularly when changing course quickly.
The driver can change the character of their RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback using the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Six profiles are available: comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and the individually configurable RS-specific RS1 and RS2 modes, which can be activated directly using the “RS MODE” steering wheel button. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays in the Audi virtual cockpit. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound and the characteristics of the automatic air conditioning. The RS2 mode exists specifically to influence the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) directly at the push of a button.
The performance models are fitted as standard with RS-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tyres in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish. The calipers of the RS brake system with internally ventilated and perforated discs (420 millimetres at the front, 370 millimetres at the rear) are painted red as standard. On the optional RS ceramic brakes, the calipers can
be blue. The discs measure 440 millimetre at the front and 370 millimetres at the rear. The new RS ceramic brake system tips the scales at 34 kilograms less than its steel counterpart, which cuts down on unsprung mass.
Sporty and futuristic: the interior
A stripped-down look with sporty accents are the key stylistic elements in the interior of the new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback. Much like the exterior design, the design language combines taut, sinewy surfaces with clearly defined contours. There is plenty of space for the driver and passenger, with the architecture of the interior accomplishing a seamless transition to the futuristic user interface. The upper MMI touch response display is embedded in the black-panelled architecture in a way that renders it almost impossible to see where the display ends and the surroundings begin. The driver can use the upper RS monitor display to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. The Audi virtual cockpit is available as standard on both of these performance models and features the RS Performance and Sport layouts. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is available as an optional extra and features an all new layout called the RS Runway.
The special RS displays use the Audi virtual cockpit to provide details of tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached.
The flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with new large RS aluminium shift paddles features steering wheel heating and multifunction buttons, which the driver can use to enable the new Audi drive select RS1 and RS2 modes. This automatically opens the RS-specific displays in the Audi virtual cockpit. The RS logos adorn the steering wheel, seats, and illuminated front door sill trims. Logo projectors on the front and rear doors beam the Audi Sport emblem onto the ground when the doors are open.
RS sport seats upholstered with Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. The RS design package brings a splash of colour, with contrasting red stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads. The package also features seat belt straps with red edging and RS floor mats.
The new RS 6 Avant is even roomier inside. The luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1,680 litres, the loading width between the wheel arches is now 1.05 metres, 14 millimetres larger than the previous model. The split-folding rear seat bench in the ratio 40:20:40 can be released and folded conveniently from the luggage compartment. A power tailgate and luggage compartment cover are standard. In combination with the standard comfort key, the sensor control allows the tailgate to be opened with a foot gesture. The optional swivelling trailer towing hitch features an electric release function.
The new RS 7 Sportback offers an array of extra functions not seen in the predecessor model. For the first time, Audi is offering the five-door grand tourer with a three-seater rear bench. The luggage compartment offers a base capacity of 535 litres, which can be increased to as much as 1,390 litres with the split rear seatbacks folded down. The long tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard, with a comfort key allowing it to be operated by foot gesture control.
All the best equipment: infotainment, assist systems, colours, and Audi connect For the new performance models, Audi offers an extensive range of convenience, connectivity, and driver assistance equipment. The cars will help the driver out in a wide range of situations. With an array of
assistance systems available which include lane change assist; park assist package (360-degree camera, intelligent park assist); tour assistance package (adaptive cruise control and assist); and Audi pre sense rear package.
The range of colours for the new models encompasses eight exterior paint finishes, including the two RSspecific shades of Nardo grey and Sebring black. The diverse Audi exclusive range offers additional possibilities for colour personalization. The performance models offer three optional exterior styling packages to enhance the sporty look. Front spoiler; side flaps in front; sill inlays, window slot trims; rear diffuser; and exterior mirror housings can all fall under one of three styling packages in matte aluminium (standard), black styling, or carbon/glossy black packages. Upon request, the Audi rings and RS logos at the front and rear are also available in gloss black for the black and carbon/glossy black styling packages.
The innovative and forward-thinking features of Audi connect are now available in the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback. The technology delivers top-of-the-line connectivity. It features an embedded SIM, and the extensive Audi connect portfolio. The latter ranges from online traffic information, point of interest search, Navigation with satellite map and live weather updates. The Audi connect functionality also includes Car2X services which consists of standard safety and service features in the event of damage, breakdown or minor accidents. This functionality (through a built-in emergency button in the vehicle’s roof module) allows an emergency safety or service call to an Audi call centre to support in any event. Additional functionality, accessible through the MyAudi application, includes remote functions that network the new RS model with the driver’s smartphone. This includes car finder, remote lock/unlocking, speed and theft alerts, to mention a few.
Local pricing and availability
The new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro R 2,070,000
Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro R 2,173,500
